124 JOHN KNOX
of the trial which the accused would receive, and
he seems to have feared that the queen intended
to make the trial the beginning of a campaign
against the Protestants. After consultation with
other Protestants in Edinburgh, therefore, he
issued a circular to the various congregations
throughout the country appealing to them to
come in force to Edinburgh for the protection of
their accused brethren. A copy of this letter
came into the hands of the Privy Council. They
ruled that it was treasonable to convoke the
queen's subjects, and Knox was ordered to
appear for trial in December.
The queen herself was present at the proceed-
ings, which were conducted before a great council.
When she saw the preacher standing at the bar,
she said with a laugh, according to Knox, that he
" had made me weep, and had never wept himself.
I will see if I can make him weep." Maitland of
Lethington took the leading part in the prosecu-
tion. The charge of treason against Knox was
stated at length, and then the queen intervened
with the suggestion that he should be asked
whether he admitted that the circular was his.
Knox acknowledged the letter. cc Well, well," the
queen said impatiently, " read your own letter."
Knox read out the letter, and the queen, who
seemed determined to take over the prosecution
herself, enquired whether the lords had evei
heard " a more despiteful and treasonable letter.51